Overview & Reviews

Until recently, driving a hybrid car required some sort of sacrifice, whether in terms of space, performance or anonymity. However, in the case of the Camry Hybrid, one could argue that Toyota has given the buying public a hybrid that demands few or no sacrifices.

If judged only on its merits as a competent midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid would score well. We've found that it shares all the attributes that make the conventional Camry one of the best-selling family sedans out there: a comfortable and quiet ride, more than adequate power, lots of amenities and plenty of room for five. That its fuel economy beats that of most compact cars and its price is well within the normal range for an average midsize car are just icing on the hybrid cake.

Current Toyota Camry Hybrid
The current Toyota Camry Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output comes to 200 horsepower and it's routed to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA estimates combined fuel economy at an excellent 40 or 41 mpg, depending on the trim level.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in LE, XLE and (late introduction) SE Limited Edition trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the LE include keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port. The XLE adds a power driver seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE Limited Edition is essentially an XLE with sporty styling cues and the sport front seats of the non-hybrid Camry SE. Main options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, a navigation system and a smartphone integration system.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry Hybrid saw a few minor changes. These include the aforementioned new trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

Inside, the Camry's new interior benefits from roomy seats, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

While fuel economy gets top billing here, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is still pleasant to drive. Its hybrid powertrain is quite smooth in its operation and provides quick acceleration. Handling is unremarkable and the steering is quite light and uncommunicative, but for most buyers this will likely be a non-issue.

Used Toyota Camry Hybrid Models
This latest Toyota Camry Hybrid was redesigned for 2012, as was the conventional Camry. As such, it benefited from the same generational upgrades, such as a much nicer interior and new electronics features. Fuel economy and power are also considerably better than they were with the previous-generation hybrid. Note that these Camry Hybrids lack a few minor updates of the current version, including the addition of the SE Limited Edition trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

That previous, first-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. While it shared much of the same advantages of the current car, it suffered from a rather small trunk, disappointing interior materials and inconsistent fit and finish issues. Additionally, its fuel economy, while high, was not as good as the current model's.

This Camry Hybrid was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine working in concert with an electric motor. Power was sent to the front wheels through a specialized CVT. The gas engine produced 147 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and the electric motor added another 40 hp, yielding 187 maximum hp. Fuel economy was quite good for the time, checking in at an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined.

For most of the first generation's production run, standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system. Main options were a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a navigation system and a premium sound system.

Changes were slight over the years, with revised front-end styling, a new instrument cluster and unique upholstery made of silk protein and synthetic fiber being introduced for 2010. In 2011, the alloy wheels were downgraded to steel wheels with plastic covers.

On the whole, the Camry Hybrid presented a complete package. It was roomy, comfortable and kept up to date with the latest features. And thanks to the Prius, Toyota has shown that its hybrid powertrains are able to meet consumers' expectations of durability and reliability. Our only suggestion would be to also check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which eclipsed the Camry Hybrid in terms of economy and interior design for the final two years.

User Reviews:

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  Just do it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Flyer - March 7 - 9:30 am

  This car is simply superb. I work in a vehicle-related field, and I have seen crash/wreck photos of Camrys - people walk away from wrecks because this car sacrifices itself to save its occupants. I was searching to replace my Jetta diesel (a maintenance intensive vehicle) but wanted to up-size from the Prius. The Camry hybrid is for those people who hate waste and love efficiency, like myself. I am a caregiver, and the Camry has enough space to allow people with disabilities the room to swing in and out of the vehicle easily (unlike the new Jetta TDI, which has a much smaller interior). My father, a solid diesel head, was sold on the Camry hybrid within thirty minutes. Simply impressive.

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  My TCH has been magnificent - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By daveosborne - February 26 - 9:30 am

  Ive loved my TCH. I bought it on 04/21/07, have just under 15,000 miles on it, with mileage at 36/39. Ive had no build or performance issues. No rattles, squeaks, crunched bumpers, or any other concerns. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I love the quiet, smooth ride. The CVT, electric steering and gas pedal make this car just glide. The power and torque, when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine, are more than a human needs.

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  Best Value, Quality, Performance - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By yngturk - February 20 - 7:38 pm

  This is my wifes second Camry Hybrid. She loves the gas mileage, reliability, driveability and comfort. Not a single problem with either of her Camrys. And they hold their value like crazy!

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  Going green - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By survey guy - February 17 - 4:33 pm

  Getting better mileage than expected: 32 city/39-41 highway; very comfortable. Also have a G35 Sedan, which has a much more intuitive voice command system for making calls, etc. This car performs better than expected. Easy to keep battery charge full by using B to slow car on decelleration.

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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 15 - 3:17 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 14 - 1:47 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 12 - 10:04 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  A mpg giant - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By what fun! - January 30 - 7:56 pm

  I have had my camry hybrid for better then one month. Previously owned a Prius. The camry is a fun car to drive for 2 reasons and perhaps others. #1 it is a comfortable car and #2. the mpg can easily top 40 mpg. I have learned that coasting is real helpful to achieve that mpg number and being careful with the accelerator pedal as well. My goal is to see if I can get better than 40 mpg and will do it.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By A McNeil - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had the car for a week/480 miles and love it! Very sharp exterior appearance in silver, interior is comfortable and spacious (leather and moonroof added by dealership). I traded in a V6 Hyundai Tiberon and was concerned about responsiveness and pickup, this car does not disappoint! I commute 60 miles/day and am thrilled with my fuel economy...Im getting 40+mpg every trip (and the "Excellent!" message, which is fun). There is a pulsing (I think "surging" may be too strong a word) at higher speeds as the computer combines the two power sources, but none of my passengers have noticed it and its the nature of the technology at this time. I love this car, and highly recommend it!

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  Plush economy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By buzz127 - January 12 - 12:06 pm

  I have owned this TCH for 11 months and have nothing but praise for it and its features. After struggling with the owners manual for the first week (running out to the garage at 1 am to try a new found gadget), my wife and I now use every gadget in the auto. Our gas mileage has been less around town than advertised, however, on a trip, with the cruise, we average 42. I drive as I always do and have not changed my habits to get a few more m/p/g. We are having a slight problem with the bluetooth, however, I dont know if it is my phone or the car system. This car is a dream to drive and own. I would like memory seats and 2 setting seat heaters (they get mighty hot). Nav system is great.